PRENATAL DIAGNOSTICS OF CONGENITAL KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT ANOMALIES

Abstract

Prenatal diagnosis and timely identification of congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) are of utmost importance for the prevention of treatment delays in those neonates in whom CAKUT could lead to deterioration of renal function or kidney failure. The most suitable diagnostic methods offer the most informative insights while minimizing potential harm to the mother and the fetus. A comprehensive understanding of the embryological development of CAKUT forms the foundation for accurate interpretation of imaging results. Ultrasound is the most standardized and recognized method in prenatal morphological diagnostics. If and when we cannot explain the findings by ultrasound alone, or a more thorough demonstration of an anomaly is needed, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used.

Keywords

• congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract
• diagnostics
• ultrasound
• magnetic resonance imaging